Electrochemistry Facilitates the Chemoselectivity of Benzylic Alcohol Oxidations Mediated by Flavin-Based Photoredox Catalysis
Abstract
The use of oxygen for catalyst regeneration in photoredox catalysis causes selectivity problems, because the generation of reactive oxygen species initiates overoxidations and side oxidations. Herein, we present a system using the electrochemical regeneration of a flavin catalyst under inert conditions. Our process allows the chemoselective oxidation of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols to carbonyl compounds without unwanted overoxidation to carboxylic acids. The method tolerates other oxidation-sensitive groups such as methyl, methylsulfanyl, or pinacolboryl groups.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Radical Photochemical Reactions
Advanced oxidation water treatment
Oxidative Organic Chemistry Reactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Organic Letters
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 1540–1544
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Language
- EN